The Karnelimos royal family, the legendary rulers of Heaven, were blessed with a divine gift passed down by the gods—a gift of unparalleled healing power, handed down through countless generations. Their ruby-red eyes stood as living proof of this celestial blessing, their hue derived from the Carnelian stone embedded in their energy cores. This mystical stone, with its mesmerizing radiance and blood-like color, symbolized both life and death.
The Carnelian stone, like a double-edged sword, had the power to heal or utterly annihilate. In the hands of a ruthless individual, it could become an instrument of total destruction. Even the family name, "Karnelimos," was taken from this stone, as if to underline the delicate balance between its beauty and danger.
Among all the members of this noble lineage, Ayleran, the young Crown Prince, possessed an unmatched ability to heal. His power made him the ultimate threat to the infernal realms, enemies of Heaven. Though the palace housed three heirs of Carnelian blood, Ayleran had been chosen as the sole heir to the throne—a decision made without any rivalries within the family.
Years ago, Raymen Karnelimos, the eldest brother and rightful Crown Prince, inherited the throne without conflict or resistance from his younger brother, Ryan. But what distinguished Raymen’s rule was his profound and unwavering love for his childhood friend, the youngest daughter of the Garnet family—a duchy second only to the royal family in power and prestige. Their love led to a joyous union, culminating in the birth of two sons.
The elder son, Arin, known as the "Sun of Heaven," was praised for his brilliance and charm. In contrast, the younger son, Arxil, the "Nightmare of Pain," two years younger than his brother, carried an enigmatic and fearsome aura that set him apart.
However, this family’s happiness was short-lived. Anisa, Raymen’s beloved wife and the mother of Arin and Arxil, tragically ended her own life under mysterious circumstances. Her death plunged Heaven into chaos. Devastated by grief, Raymen abandoned the throne, leaving it to his brother Ryan, and disappeared without a trace. His sons, now bereft of a father’s guidance, were left to grow up in isolation.
This marked the turning point for the Karnelimos dynasty. The saints of the Church intervened, stripping Arin and Arxil of their royal inheritance. Despite their noble blood, they were declared unfit to inherit the throne. Ayleran was left as the sole heir, and many sought his downfall to bring about the end of the royal bloodline.
But I won’t let that happen. My own fate is entwined with his, and no matter the cost, I must reach the palace.
"Ayleran... with your help, I’ll get there."
Later that afternoon, as I wandered through the towering trees of the Misty Forest, searching for tools to set traps, the sound of galloping horses shattered the eerie silence. My heart raced. Quickly, I ducked behind a large boulder and sharpened my senses to catch the voices of the approaching riders.
"You still haven’t found him?"
"No, it’s like he’s vanished into thin air."
"An hour has passed. That kid must be hiding somewhere close."
"If we don’t find him soon, we’ll end up taking his place."
Their voices faded as their horses carried them away, but their words lingered in my mind like a chilling echo. Time had shifted, and I was running late.
"Damn these time shifts... I need to find him fast."
I reached out, searching for traces of energy—the same energy that had healed my hands. Every step I took brought me closer to his presence. The mist around me thickened, almost as though the forest itself was trying to hide him from me. My vision blurred as I pressed on, certain that I was near.
Then, I felt it—a sharp, cold blade pressed against my throat.
"Who are you? Why are you following me?"
His voice was laced with anger and suspicion, yet his eyes, clouded with pain, betrayed his vulnerability. The poison coursing through his body had dulled his vision, leaving him disoriented. I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and replied softly,
"Lower your sword, brother. I’m here to help you."
From the very beginning, I never had a real family. To them, I was just a weapon for gaining power.
"Family? You were just a tool to reach the sky. Naive, just like your mother."
That old man didn't even pretend to love me, not even at the moment of his death.
But when I finally freed myself from all that pain, I didn't think I would be wandering in darkness for thousands of years until the gods forgive me.
"I give you life so you can take revenge."
That mysterious voice was driving me crazy. Why should I return to life and face all that misery again?
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